The Madrid clinical pass the Athletic test which means they are healthy.

 

Benzema scored the opening goal for Madrid. EFE

Madrid managed to win against San Mames by scoring three goals. First, Karim Benzema scored a goal in the first half. Later, Toni Kroos scored a goal in the final minutes of the game. This means that Madrid now has only three points behind Barcelona in the league table.

After Barcelona beat Getafe 1-0, Madrid won a close game at the San Mames to stay three points behind Barcelona. Benzema scored a superb volley in the first half and Kroos scored the second late on to kill off Athletic's hopes.

After losing the Spanish Super Cup to Barcelona, there was a lot of anxiety in the capital. But Thursday's Copa del Rey comeback victory against Villarreal helped to calm nerves. This victory in Bilbao will make Madrid fans feel even more confident ahead of their derby clash with Atletico Madrid next week.

Carlo Ancelotti decided to change his midfield lineup, opting to play Dani Ceballos, Nacho Fernandez, and Marco Asensio alongside Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde.

Athletic started well and Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois tipped away Aitor Paredes's dangerous header. The goalkeeper forced Inaki Williams wide of goal in the 23rd minute, and the Ghana international fired into the side netting from a tight angle.

After a minute, Madrid punished Ronaldo for his miss by scoring a goal from Benzema. Then, in the second half, Unai Simon prevented Nacho from scoring, and Madrid tried to score another goal with Asensio shooting narrowly off-target.

Near the end of the match, both Nico Williams and Athletic Bilbao's Athletic continued to score goals. Athletic's Ernesto Valverde then added more attacking players, including their captain Iker Muniain. Inaki Williams then scored in the 77th minute, but it was quickly ruled out for offside.

Athletic finished the game against Madrid by scoring a goal and then getting help from Kroos to win the game. This means they are now in eighth place in the table, which is five points away from qualifying for the Champions League.